Companies help engineering grads follow path to license

By Kim Kyle Morgan |
February 1, 2013

Newly graduated engineers become engineers in training and work closely with an experienced engineer as part of the preparation for meeting the requirements for licensing to become a professional engineer.

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For more about the American Council of Engineering Companies of Houston, visit www.acechouston.org.

"They build up a resume and work experience and submit it to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. From there, EITs must pass an exam to become licensed, professional engineers."

According to TBPE, the Texas Engineering Practice Act states only licensed engineers may perform engineering services for the public.

There are three categories the EIT must meet before becoming licensed - education, experience and examinations.

As far as education, Lindsay said proof of a degree is sometimes not enough. If a graduate's GPA in his or her major is less than 3.0, some employers will take a closer look at math and science grades.

Experience leading to becoming a licensed engineer begins when the job does, and there are several ways companies help graduates step into their new roles as EITs.

"There are orientation sessions to explain what's expected of them as employees - things like dressing properly, arriving on time, how to interact with clients and what defines the company's culture," Lindsay said.

"Usually, no more than two EITs are assigned to an experienced engineer, who will guide them over their four years of training."

As the EIT gains experience, he or she will take on projects with more responsibility, while remaining under the direction of a licensed engineer.

Finding that first job shouldn't be very difficult, particularly in the Houston area.

According to the Greater Houston Partnership, energy companies, including Dow Chemical, Chevron and ExxonMobil, are building chemical plants in the region, which can take three to five years to complete.

This opens job opportunities for several industries, including most disciplines of engineering.

The oil and gas industry accounts for several opportunities in the civil engineering discipline. Lindsay estimates 600 civil engineers graduate each year in Texas, and they can anticipate a steady employment outlook.

"Over the next 20 years, civil engineers will be rebuilding the city under the pay-as-you-go ReBuild Houston program," Lindsay said. "It's an exciting time to be here."